THE VACATION ON THE BARGE

[What to Do – How it Feels]

Q. Will the other passengers on board speak English? – Will language be an issue with the crew?
A. Typically 90% of the people on a barge cruise are Americans. As for crew, there will be no language issues whatsoever.

Q. Will there be daily maid service?
A. Cabins are made up fresh daily.

Q. What is the cabin size and what are the appointments like?
A. Cabins are tastefully appointed but of modest size. (8x10 would be that average size cabin on most vessels.)

Q. Will there be a window in our room?
A. Yes, without exception.

Q. What can I expect of the food, wine and dining experiences in general?
A. The food and wine to a certain extent defines the overall barge experience. Food and wine are never in short supply and are consistently of gourmet quality. Customer satisfaction surveys overwhelmingly pay accolades to the gastronomic element. It is not unusual to see the crew bargaining with local merchants only to see the ingredients served as something very special a few hours latter. Breakfast is consistently hearty. Lunches are often buffet style. Dinners are in the traditional course style with a minimum of four courses being served.

Q. Is there access to telephones, Internet and television
A. Telephones are not a part of the barge experience. Europeans are enthusiastic users of cellular/wireless communications, so barges are equipped. If there are pressing matters that require a phone call, public telephones are accessible along the rivers, canals and in the villages of the sojourn. Television is available by satellite (only when moored) on only a few barges. Internet access is available on several vessels.